Unexpected slowing

Usually, when we least expect it, something happens that slows the path we’re on. Often unwelcome. For me this week it’s been a mild illness – so mild it’s hard to name it, but enough to break up my rhythm and hinder my plans. So, while I’m grateful it’s nothing major, I’m a bit put out to have to endure until it runs its course.

When forced to slow down it’s disconcerting. Just when I thought I knew the current way of life, a little blip is changing things. I think it goes back to my age-old struggle: control.

I want to have a calendar with the days lined up. A clear path. That isn’t the way of things for most of us, try as we may. Wherever you are right now, in the small inconvenience or the big heart wrenching, you’re not alone. Fellow sojourners can relate, and the God who held your hand before this is still holding it now – even if you are pulling pretty hard to go the other direction.

In the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy, I read this verse: “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (31:8 NIV)

Moses was speaking to the people for the last time, just before they were to finally end their desert wandering. They were about to face many enemies, fight many battles, but victory would be theirs. Frankly after so much wandering I think I might have been a bit put out that things weren’t going to be easy.

But that’s always been the way of it on sin-filled earth. And when Moses said don’t be afraid or discouraged, he knew they would be. But he wanted to remind them of all the ways God had already shown up and always will.

Fast forward from the Old Testament to where Jesus so clearly spoke the same message: “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

Hmm, just like God has been declaring since creation. There will be many struggles and at times rest. But through it all He reminds His people that He is with them and will see them through. The Bible has so many nuggets for us to hold on to.

He uses the times when we must to slow down to give us opportunities to grab hold of His truths. To take heart and be encouraged. Had I not been unhappily sitting in a chair reading this section of the Old Testament when I would have rather been out taking a long walk, I would have probably just read through it and not seen the words put there for me. He’s does the same for you – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16 NIV)

He will see you and me through just like He did the desert wanderers. Sometimes on earth it may not seem that way, but this earthly life isn’t all there is. He has set eternity in our hearts; when we slow down, we see the road to it.